Media Releases

Call for public input into regional education strategy

Minister for Education Dan Tehan has encouraged Australians to have their say on the National Regional, Rural and Remote Education Strategy.

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price said the strategy aims to increase tertiary education participation and outcomes for people in regional, rural and remote Australia, including the Durack electorate.

“Young Australians living in regional areas are half as likely to have a university level qualification as those living in cities,” she said.

Late last year, the Federal Government established a Regional Education Expert Advisory Group, chaired by the Hon Dr Denis Napthine, as part of its recent $134.8 million regional higher education package, and former Director of the Geraldton Universities Centre, Ms Meredith Wills is also part of the group.

“The government is focused on keeping our regions strong by supporting the operation of regional university and vocational education providers,” Ms Price said.

“And having Ms Wills on board with her first-hand experience in this field is a bonus.

“Now we want to hear practical ideas from Durack residents about how to get more people who are living in regional and remote areas into higher education and vocational training.”

A Framing Paper has been released to inform consultation on the strategy. Submissions are due by 5pm on Friday 1 February 2019, and should be emailed to regionalstrategy@education.gov.au

The responses will inform the development of a National Regional, Rural and Remote Education Report on priority recommendations for action.